…Gets Top Endorsement from party’s Stakeholders, other key stalwarts
By Tom Garba, Yola
Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for the 2027 elections, stormed the APC secretariat in Girei Local Government Area on Saturday.
He received a heroic and massive welcome from thousands of party supporters, stakeholders, and various support groups. The excited crowd cheered loudly, waving placards with messages like “Girei 2027 Rescue Mission” and “SBG Movement.” Many called him the leader who will bring true transformation to Adamawa State.
Speaking to the cheering crowd, Dr. Bakari delivered a powerful and refined speech. He started by affirming support for APC candidates in the upcoming local government elections in Girei.
“I am here to support our candidates for the coming local government elections and to make sure our party stays united,” he said.
He thanked party leaders who have been working hard behind the scenes to keep APC strong and thriving. “Some people are working overtime for the party. We must recognize and respect their efforts,” he added.
Dr. Bakari then made a bold promise about the future. “We have endured six years without being in government in Adamawa. Only two years are left. I promise you today – Insha Allah, APC will take over the state in 2027!” The crowd erupted in loud cheers. He repeated, “We are taking over power by 2027 in the state.”
He praised key national figures for their roles in strengthening the party. Dr. Bakari called National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu “our daddy” who loves Adamawa deeply.
“Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has no personal candidate – everyone is his own. He has promised free and fair primaries. Because of his leadership, we are all united and focused on rescuing the state from PDP,” he said.
Dr. Bakari also thanked President Bola Tinubu. “We are grateful to God for President Tinubu’s leadership. He is a man who has spent his life building democracy in Nigeria. No one has any reason to fail in elections because of what he has done,” he noted.
On the local government elections, Dr. Bakari called on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure free and fair polls.
“It was free and fair elections that brought you to power in 2019 and 2023. You should do the same now to leave a good legacy. We know you are a man of integrity. Let the winner be announced as winner and give the mandate to the rightful person,” he urged.
Bakari affirmed his acceptance to run for the Adamawa governorship seat is shielded his sincerity of purpose never to disappoint the people of the state and numerous others who have been calling on him to contest for over a year because they believe in his ability, capacity to bring wider development in all parts of the state.
“The desire to lead with passion and leave behind a legacy of indelible performance and change the narrative of Adamawa to that of prosperous, united and integrated society is my prime agenda.” He further reiterated that if God will him the opportunity is going to leave behind a legacy of servant leader and become a model for future leaders of the State
He further praised the humane leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NSA Nuhu Ribadu as men with undisputed desirable leadership qualities whose vision is for a progressive Nigeria, Adamawa State in particular.
“The firm believe in leadership qualities of the NSA in unifying all aspirants to work towards achieving the success of our great party and building a prosperous future for Adamawa.
“My firm belief that the NSA and other party leaders would provide a level field for a free and fair primaries and in the NSA’s capacity to unite all aspirants to fight a common cause
“My conviction, capacity and capability to effectively and efficiently lead the state to prosperity and heights of development in timely and sustainable manner is my call distress to duty.” He said
A major highlight of the event was Dr. Bakari’s promise to upgrade the APC secretariat in Girei. He described the current building as not befitting for a big party like APC.
“We promised you a good secretariat before. Today, I announce that you will get a new one. After we finish it, no other party secretariat in Girei will compare to it!” The massive crowd applauded wildly and cheered even more.
Finally, he encouraged all APC contestants and members to stay active on the ground. “Be visible in every nook and cranny to make our party strong everywhere,” he said.
A former Lawmaker for Girei constituency and Council secretary, Dr Abubakar Umar who conveyed the central message of Dr Bakari’s candidacy said the entire critical stakeholders of Girei APC and the Local government elders statesmen unilaterally endorsed and called on any interested individuals shield their swords for governorship ambition.
He said Dr Bakari is sellable candidate to everyone in Adamawa state and they are ready to take him to anywhere as their sole candidate and marketable product.
While appreciating NSA Nuhu Ribadu for giving a leveling playing Field to all aspirants, he said Nuhu is a Man of integrity that will never allow injustice to thrive in Adamawa APC, especially as regard the governorship seat.
The event gained even more momentum with a powerful endorsement from Prof. Bashir Hamman Gabdo, a respected academic and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, from 2021 to 2025.
In a heartfelt open letter sent around the festive season, Prof. Gabdo, who is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, declared full support for Dr. Bakari’s ambition to become governor.
He called Dr. Bakari “the most suitable” among all contenders. “You are the most learned of all the contenders. You have laboured hard for education at state, national, and international levels. And above all, you are a teacher like me,” the professor wrote.
Prof. Gabdo shared that he had visited Dr. Bakari’s office when he was TETFund Desk Officer for ADSU. He promised not only his personal support but also that of his many followers for the SBG Movement.
The letter ended with warm seasonal greetings and a Fulfulde blessing: “Allah lamido hokku en sa’a,” meaning God should give power at the right time.
This endorsement highlights Dr. Bakari’s deep roots in education. As an Adamawa indigene, he served as Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB).
There, he built many modern schools, including storey buildings in both urban and rural areas. Later, as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, he brought peace and harmony among traditional rulers and local officials.
Today, Dr. Bakari works with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), representing it at big events like the recent commissioning of a new office complex at ADSU, Mubi. He continues to push for better education in his home state.
Political watchers say this strong backing from a top scholar like Prof. Gabdo will help Dr. Bakari win support from teachers, students, intellectuals, and young people. Education is a big issue in Adamawa, and Dr. Bakari’s record makes him stand out.
The Girei visit shows Dr. Bakari’s growing popularity across APC in Adamawa’s 21 local government areas. Recent events, like a big rally in Ganye with over 1,000 coordinators, prove his wide appeal. Many party members now see him as the “ace” to defeat PDP and bring APC back to power in 2027.
As politics heats up ahead of 2027, Dr. Bakari’s promises of unity, development, and an unforgettable APC legacy are winning hearts. With endorsements from respected figures and massive crowd support, his rescue mission for Adamawa looks stronger than ever.